The 3 Housing Market Questions Everyone’s Asking This Holiday Season

Whether it’s around the Thanksgiving table, at a company Christmas party, or while catching up with friends, one topic always makes its way into the conversation: the housing market.

To help clear up some of the noise, here are the three most common questions people are asking right now—along with straightforward answers backed by current data.

1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?”

Yes—more easily than the past few years.

Inventory has been rising steadily, and for the first time since 2019, the number of homes for sale has topped one million for six consecutive months. That shift brings two major benefits:

• Buyers have more options.
• Sellers have more places to go next.

If you paused your home search last year because the market felt too competitive or too limited, it may be worth taking another look. With more homes available, listings aren’t vanishing overnight, and buyers have a little more breathing room to compare options and make confident decisions.

** 2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?”**

Affordability is finally starting to improve.

The last few years were undeniably challenging, but 2024–2025 brought a much-needed shift:

• Mortgage rates have started to ease
• Home price growth has cooled

Combined, those two changes mean monthly mortgage payments are coming down, in some cases by several hundred dollars compared to earlier this year. While buying a home still requires planning and preparation, it’s becoming a realistic possibility again for many families.

3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?”

Probably not—and here’s why.

Even though inventory is growing, it’s still far below the level needed to cause a significant nationwide price drop. In addition:

• Homeowners today have strong equity positions.
• Lending standards are much healthier than in 2008.
• Experts surveyed by Fannie Mae expect home prices to continue rising, just at a slower and more sustainable pace.

Waiting for a market “crash” could mean missing out on years of equity growth. Historically, homeowners who stay in the market—not those trying to perfectly time it—build the most long-term wealth.

Bottom Line

The housing market is always a hot topic, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the new year, having the right local guidance makes all the difference.

A trusted real estate professional can help you interpret the data, understand your options, and make the best decision for your goals.